Abstract

In some polygynous bird species, e.g. some weaverbirds, male mating success is mainly determined by the number of nests built by a male. In weaverbirds, nest-building is a complex sequential behavioural pattern that needs to be learned in the first two years of life. I analysed what aspects of nest quantity and nest quality influence male mating success in red bishops (Euplectes orix). I identified behavioural mechanisms leading to differences among males in the number of nests built. Some nest characteristics were shown to influence nest durability and the probability of nest acceptance. Further on, nests are analysed and discussed as a commodity in a biological market. In a pilot study, forebrain regions were identified that are involved in the neural control of nest-building behaviour, using ZENK expression as a marker for forebrain activity. Large-scale screening of the forebrain was possible with a newly developed automisation of the analysis of ZENK expression.